James Corden has apologised for making jokes about the Harvey Weinstein scandal, saying his intention was to "shame" the producer, not cause offence.

The Late Late Show host was criticised by many including actresses Rose McGowan and Asia Argento - who have both gone public claiming they were assaulted by the Hollywood producer - for cracking jokes about him at an AmfAR charity gala.

Corden was hosting the event in front of stars including Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks in Los Angeles when he said: "It's a beautiful night here in LA. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage."

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Other jokes included: "It has been weird this week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water. Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath."

However, the star has now posted a message on Twitter apologising for causing offence.

He wrote: "To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter.

"I was not trying to make light of Harvey's inexcusable behavior, but to shame him, the abuser, not his victims.

"I am truly sorry for anyone offended, that was never my intention."

Corden's jokes were widely condemned on social media where one user said: "If the problem is Hollywood not taking systemic sexual abuse seriously, the solution does not involve James Corden making light of the issue."

Actress McGowan - who has been vocal on social media about the scandal - posted a string of messages about Corden's gags.

She tweeted a clip of his speech and wrote: "YOU MOTHERF***ING PIGLET."